Jim makes further progress

30 April 2013

Chris Slavin

Talented full-back receives good news

has wasted no time improving fitness during the close season by increasing the intensity of his training at New Malden today.Jim Fenlon

The 19-year-old full-back, who made 21 first-team appearances before being sidelined with a back injury in February, is now ahead of schedule in his recuperation and he should be ready to hit the ground running for pre-season.

, who was today serving his last contracted day after almost nine years at AFC Wimbledon, confirmed that Jim does not need to have epidural steroid injections in his back and is therefore able to step-up his recovery.Mike RaynerClub physio

“Jim is doing really well and recorded some fantastic times around the perimeter of the training pitch today,” said Mike. “He has clocked 2 minutes 45 seconds over 850 metres consistently during four laps. We have just got him twisting and turning and the more positive news is that he does not need epidural injections in his back. There is always a small risk of complications or infections with a procedure like that. The fact that we have not had to do that is a real bonus. It means he has not had to have a recovery period from that and he has been able to keep his fitness up.

We have done everything hands-on with his exercise in the gym and I think he is in there now on the third of three pages that we set out for him.” “All of Jim’s nerve tensions seem to have settled down in his back after we increased his training last week. After discussions with Jim, we have decided these injections are not required and if he keeps up his current progress then he will be in great shape and more than ready for pre-season.

Mike Rayner’s final match against Fleetwood as club physio thankfully ended with AFC Wimbledon in the Football League after a nine-year spell that started when Dave Anderson brought him to the club in 2004.

"I spoke to Dave about me leaving and he said that he will get some of the old players and managers together for a drink,” said Mike. “I am looking forward to that as it will be nice to see some of the old faces. I have great memories of my time at Wimbledon. It was an excellent send off for me on Saturday and it was massive relief more than anything else. Everyone has worked so hard behind the scenes, including fans, players and staff, and it would have been a real shame if the club had gone down. I am so pleased for everyone and it was lovely for me to go out with that match and everyone celebrating.”

Dons Player subscribers can watch an in-depth video interview with Mike Rayner on his time at AFC Wimbledon later this week.